NPR:

“The Gorilla Foundation is sad to announce the passing of our beloved Koko,” the research center says, informing the world about the death of a gorilla who fascinated and elated millions of people with her facility for language.

Koko, who was 46, died in her sleep Tuesday morning, the Gorilla Foundation said.

“Her impact has been profound and what she has taught us about the emotional capacity of gorillas and their cognitive abilities will continue to shape the world,” the Gorilla Foundation said.

We don’t often post obituaries of animals here but Koko had a profound affect on me as a kid. One of the few magazines we regularly got delivered was National Geographic and I read every article in every issue. In October of 1978, the cover was a picture Koko had taken of herself for “Conversations with a Gorilla” and it blew my mind. In January of 1985, Koko was again on the cover, this time with her kitten. I still remember reading that article with tears in my eyes.

There’s always been (understandable) skepticism about Koko’s abilities but there’s no doubt she brought joy to many and a deeper understanding of both gorillas and humans. She will be missed.